Diamond certified companies are top rated and guaranteed

How To Choose

Locating a quality real estate sales agent is important in order to enjoy a painless real estate transaction. The question is: how can you find a real estate agent that you can trust?

The best real estate agent doesn’t necessarily make the most money or close the most transactions. What is important is that the real estate agent you choose has experience, listens to you, knows your market, and conducts himself in an ethical manner.

Look for an Outstanding Santa Cruz County Real Estate Agent

There are several factors to consider when choosing a professional real estate sales agent in Santa Cruz County, including the larger cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, and Capitola. Following are tips to consider before making your final choice:

Seriously think about hiring a Diamond Certified real estate agent in Santa Cruz County. All real estate professionals who have earned Diamond Certified have passed a rigorous ratings process, including license verification and interviews of a random sample of actual customers.

Look online for the top real estate companies in your area and look for customer testimonials for the real estate agents of those particular companies.

Attend open houses and meet real estate agents in an environment where you can interact with them in a non-threatening way. This will give you an opportunity to see how the agent shows the home and interacts with others. Pay attention to whether she is polite, knowledgeable, professional in appearance, and trying to sell the features of the home.

Take note of advertisements for local real estate agents. They may specialize in your particular neighborhood. Call or make an appointment with them and question them regarding their experience to see if they might be a good fit for you.

Ask around for referrals. Look for an agent who goes above and beyond normal expectations for her clients.

Pay attention to listing signs in your neighborhood. If you see an agent that appears to sell a home quickly, they might be a better choice than the one who has the most “for sale” signs up.

Ask other professionals to refer a quality real estate sales agent. Not all real estate agents specialize in the same area. There are many different types of real estate sales agents such as commercial or investment property, new home builders, mortgage brokers, etc.

Reasons You Should Hire a Professional Real Estate Agent in Santa Cruz County

In today’s world, there is a lot of information available online. If you want to buy or sell a home, it makes sense that you might wonder if a real estate sales agent is really a wise choice. Following are ten reasons that highlight why you may want to hire a professional real estate sales agent.

Guidance regarding pricingReal estate sales agents will help you as a client determine what the best price is for you. They will be able to help you devise a negotiation strategy based on market demand, supply and conditions.

Network of professionalsReal estate sales agents network with other professionals which allows them to give you a list of dependable, reputable references of those who can provide services that you will need to buy or sell.

Education and experienceIf you find the right person who has more experience and education than you, it will give you the ability to focus on responsibilities and priorities in your daily life, knowing that you don’t need to know everything about the real estate business because you have someone working for you who already does.

Market Conditions InformationReal estate sales agents have the ability to disclose market conditions. Market conditions determine your selling or buying process. Several considerations determine how you will proceed in the sell or purchase of your home: the average per square foot cost of homes that are similar to yours, average sales prices, ratios of list-to-sold prices, and average days on the market are a few of these considerations.

Confidentiality and skills of negotiationA quality real estate sales agent is skilled in the art of negotiation. They are able to present your case as a client in the best light possible while maintaining confidentiality from competing parties.

Real estate sales agents are buffersA professional real estate agent filters phone calls for you so that you only have to talk to serious buyers who want to write an offer. Or, if you are a buyer, a good real estate agent will filter out builder’s agents.

Deals with the volumes of paperworkToday, purchase agreements run a minimum of ten pages in length. This does not even include federal and state-mandated disclosures. An average real estate file can have one to three inches of paper. It’s important to have a dependable real estate agent who can take care of this for you so that a tiny mistake doesn’t cost you thousands.

Neighborhood knowledgeA good real estate agent will either know intimate information regarding your neighborhood or know where to find it. They will also be able to identify comparable sales and help you find information regarding schools, crime, or demographics.

Answer questions after closingA good real estate sales agent will be there for you even after the excitement of closing a house. If taxing authorizes want to collect property tax assessments, for example, your real estate agent will be able to help you straighten out any confusion.

Developing relationships for future businessA real estate agent in Santa Cruz County, including the larger cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, and Capitola, depends on referrals in order to continue a successful career. For this reason, a good real estate agent will want to make sure you are happy and completely satisfied.

You are the customer. If your goal is to choose a real estate agent that will deliver high customer satisfaction and quality, you’ll feel confident in choosing a Diamond Certified realtor. Each has been rated Highest in Quality in the most accurate ratings process anywhere. And you’re always backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Here’s why the Diamond Certified ratings and certification process will help you find a top-rated real estate company and is unparalleled in its accuracy, rigor and usefulness:

1) Accuracy: All research is performed by live telephone interviews that verify only real customers are surveyed, so you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews.

2) Statistical Reliability: A large random sample of past customers is surveyed on an ongoing basis so the research results you see truly reflect a Diamond Certified company’s top-rated status.

3) Full Disclosure: By clicking the name of a company above you’ll see the exact rating results in charts and read verbatim survey responses as well as researched articles on each qualified company.

4) Guaranteed: Your purchase is backed up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you can choose with confidence.

Click on the name of a Diamond Certified company above to read ratings results, researched articles and verbatim customer survey responses to help you make an informed decision.

More than 200,000 customers of local companies have been interviewed in live telephone calls, and only companies that score Highest in Quality in customer satisfaction–a 90+ on a 100 scale–as well as pass all of the credential-based ratings earn Diamond Certified. By requiring such a high score to qualify, the Diamond Certified program eliminates mediocre and poorly performing companies. Read detailed information about the ratings and certification process.

Heidi Hart is president ofHeidi Hart – California Dreaming Real Estate, a Diamond Certified company. She can be reached at (831) 708-8910 or by email.

Heidi Hart

diamond certified contributor profile and expert article

Heidi Hart: A Perfect Opportunity

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SANTA CRUZ — As a young mother of three, Heidi Hart knew that any career she pursued would need to have a flexible schedule. When she was offered a job in real estate, she knew it was the perfect opportunity. “I got my real estate license when I was 25,” she recounts. “It actually started when I was offered a job at a real estate office across from my kids’ school. Besides being in a convenient location, the hours were flexible, which allowed me to be available for my kids while also being actively involved in my community. I found that I really enjoyed the real estate business and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Today, as president of Heidi Hart – California Dreaming Real Estate, Heidi says she enjoys multiple aspects of her job. “I’m a super-organized person, so I love micromanaging my files and keeping everything in order. I also enjoy negotiating, as well as meeting new clients and seeing different homes. The Santa Cruz Mountains area is very unique, with a wide variety of home styles, so that definitely keeps things interesting.”

Outside of work, Heidi engages in a variety of hobbies and pastimes. “I spend a lot of time working in my garden and taking care of our chickens,” she details. “I also enjoy cooking, sewing, going to the beach, and having friends and clients over for parties.” Additionally, Heidi likes traveling to new places. “My partner, Brian, and I take a couple of trips each year: one to somewhere in the U.S. we haven’t seen before and one to a tropical location. I also like taking my kids to Mexico during the summer—it’s relatively close and inexpensive, so it makes for a fun getaway.”

When asked the secret to her ongoing success as a Realtor, Heidi says it comes down to providing nothing less than the best. “I’m a strong believer in putting forth your best effort, which is what I do for every client I work with. Basically, I want my clients to be happy so they’ll refer me to their friends and family. Often, my clients end up becoming friends. I always enjoy getting a call from a past client who invites me to come out and see what they’ve done with the place.”

When asked the first thing she’d do if she were to retire tomorrow, Heidi says she probably wouldn’t. “At this point in my life, I’m able to do all the things I want to do, so I don’t see any reason to retire. Besides, I love my job. In all likelihood, I’ll be working long past the point where I could retire.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Probably Spain or Greece. The only problem is I get really impatient with long flights, which is why most of my traveling is confined to relatively close locations. If they find a way to speed up air travel some more, I’ll probably go then.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Sew, make homemade jam or organize things.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: Both.

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
A: Definitely a dog person—I’m allergic to cats.

How to Establish Your Home’s Value

By Heidi Hart of {BR} Heidi Hart - California Dreaming Real Estate

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SANTA CRUZ — If you’re planning to sell your home, you’ll need to establish its value in order to determine the right asking price. In the real estate market, this is done using a statistical report called a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).… Read more

Know What You Want

Questions for Consideration Before You Hire a Real Estate Sales Agent in Santa Cruz County

Many factors should be considered before selecting a real estate sales agent in Santa Cruz County that will meet your needs the best. Write down everything that you’re searching for before you begin your research. Think about the following questions before making your final choice regarding a real estate sales agent.

What To Ask References

Interviewing Previous Customers of a Real Estate Sales Agent in Santa Cruz County

It’s best to choose a Diamond Certified real estate sales agent in Santa Cruz County because all certified companies have passed an in-depth ratings process that most other companies can’t pass. If you want quality real estate work in Santa Cruz County and the greater Bay Area, you can have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company. Diamond Certified reports are available online for all certified companies. And you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews. That’s because all research is performed in live telephone interviews of actual customers.

If you can’t locate a Diamond Certified real estate sales agent within reach in Santa Cruz County, including the smaller cities of Rob Roy Junction, Seabright, Soquel, Beulah Park, Bonny Doon, and Ellicott, you’ll have to do some research on your own. If you do, it’s wise to call some references provided by your real estate sales agent.

Keep in mind, though, that references provided to you by the real estate sales agent are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That’s because references given to customers from companies are cherry-picked instead of randomly selected from all their customers. So the real estate agents will likely give you a few customers to call that they know are satisfied.

If you do call references on your own, specifically ask for a list of the company’s 10 most recent customers. This will help avoid them giving you the names of only customers they know were satisfied.

If you need a real estate sales agent in the future, will you consider hiring this real estate agent?

Was this real estate agent respectful of your time and property? Were there any issues of theft or damage during showings?

Was the real estate agent helpful in guiding you during the offer process?

Was the real estate agent helpful in guiding you during negotiations?

If you sold real estate with this real estate agent in Santa Cruz County, including the larger cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, and Capitola, did they do a good job of showcasing and showing your property both in person and on the listing sheet?

Do you feel that the real estate agent was pushy when it came to selling or buying?

Did the real estate agent help you devise a selling/buying plan and help you stick with it?

Was the deal was complete, were you satisfied with the real estate agent?

Was the real estate agent knowledgeable about the community, town, and market you were interested in?

Do you believe that the real estate sales agent was working with your best interest in mind? Or did you feel like the real estate agent was influenced by other motivations or agents?

Would you recommend this real estate sales agent to your family and friends?

Review Your Options

When You Locate a Santa Cruz County Real Estate Sales Agent

The Diamond Certified symbol has been awarded to companies that scored Highest in Quality in an accurate ratings process.

Your choice of real estate sales agent is important to you and your family. So before making the final decision on the best real estate sales agent in Santa Cruz County, you may want to consider the following questions:

Is my real estate sales agent of choice applying pressure or sales tactics in order to get me to sign a contract before I am ready?

Do I trust my real estate agent of choice?

Does my real estate agent have good references that I have checked?

Is my real estate agent flexible regarding the commission rate?Does my real estate agent have a good record for selling real estate property in a timely fashion by using successful marketing strategies?

How To Work With

Factors to Consider Regarding the Buyer’s Agent Agreement

If you are purchasing real estate in Santa Cruz County, including the larger cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, and Capitola, your real estate sales agent my ask you to sign a “buyer’s agent agreement.” This agreement protects the real estate agent if you, the client, choose to switch to a different real estate agent at the moment of signing a contract for real estate property for the purpose of saving money, etc.

This contract ensures that the real estate agent will be compensated for their work. It specifies rights and duties of the buyer as well as how and when the agent will be compensated. If your real estate agent wants you to sign a buyer’s agent agreement, here are a list of issues you should carefully consider:

Compensation. Be sure that total compensation is covered in the buyer’s agreement. Any commission that is paid by the seller to the buyer’s agent will reduce any commission owed by the buyer. Avoid paying a retainer fee. Also check to see how to cancel the contract if you are unhappy with the real estate agent’s performance.

Geographic area. Make sure the real estate agent is experienced in your area. If it is possible that you will venture outside of the comfort zone of the real estate agent, make a provision in the contract that the real estate agent will refer you to another agent and collect a referral fee. Or that, in this type of case, the contract will be invalid.

Term. You can always renew later, so determine a logical time period for working with the real estate agent. Remember that if you purchase a property that the real estate agent showed you a few months after the contract has expired, the agent is still entitled to a commission.

FSBOs. If you don’t want to pay a commission on For Sale by Owner properties, make sure to put that in the contract. Keep in mind, however, that the real estate agent may be able to save you money by determining a fair purchase price and negotiating the deal.

The contract should clearly define both the duties of the agent and the buyer. These duties should include:

A Real Estate Sales Agent’s Responsibilities in Santa Cruz County:

Negotiate contracts

Unless requested to do so in writing, the real estate agent is not obligated to show properties that are not available in the Multiple Listing Service.

Continued, reliable effort to identify properties that meet the needs of the buyer

Arrange for properties to be inspected

Assists with obtaining financing

Discloses any information that would affect the buyer’s decision to purchase

A Buyer’s Responsibilities in Santa Cruz County:

Cooperates with the agent in order to fulfill the terms of the agreement

Be available to view potential properties

Work exclusively with the agent to find real estate property while the agreement is valid

Pays compensation

Provide the agent with adequate financial information to research appropriate properties

A Listing Contract

A listing contract is the contract between a real estate agent (if the agent is acting in a broker’s name) and a seller of real estate property that gives the agent the right to offer the property for sale. The listing contract must include the following:

A beginning date and a termination date

The list price which the property will be offered for sale

The amount of compensation offered to the real estate agent. This can be in the form of a percentage of the sales price or a flat fee.

The terms and conditions under which the brokerage fee will be paid by the seller

Authorizes the agent to cooperate with other agents as sub-agents and also details the compensation that will be offered to those agents in the event they secure a buyer.

Authorizes the real estate agent to disclose or not to disclose the existence of offers formerly received.

Be a Good Customer

Being a Reliable Real Estate Sales Agent Customer in Santa Cruz County

It’s the real estate sales agent’s job to work for you according to your needs. But you play a big part in the success of your real estate sales agent, too. Here are a few simple steps you can take to be a good customer when hiring a Santa Cruz County real estate sales agent.

Ask your real estate sales agent if you should call to check on the progress or if he will call you with updates.

Be honest and upfront with the real estate sales agent. Let them know what you want from your real estate sales agent, the long-term outcome you’re expecting and specific ways they can satisfy your expectations.

Before hiring a real estate sales agent in Santa Cruz County, including the larger cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, and Capitola, restate your expectations and goals, and reiterate to the real estate sales agent your understanding of the agreement. Most problems with local real estate sales agents occur because of a breakdown in communication. By being clear about your expectations and theirs, you can avoid most conflicts.

Be sure your real estate sales agent has a phone number where they can reach you at all times while they’re helping you look for real estate. The real estate project will move along more smoothly if your real estate sales agent can reach you for any necessary updates or questions.

Why would you want to be a good client? Real estate sales agents in Santa Cruz County appreciate clients who are straightforward, honest and easy to work with. Your good customer behavior sets the tone from your end and creates an environment conducive to a good relationship. Things may very well go smoother and any problems may be more easily resolved.

Check The Work

Signing the Written Real Estate Contract in Santa Cruz County

In order for your real estate purchase or sell to be official in Santa Cruz County, including the smaller cities of Glenwood, Gordola, La Selva Beach, Mission Springs, Rio Del Mar, San Lorenzo Park, and Zayante, you must sign a written contract. It must include the following:

Identification of parties involved: both the seller(s) and the buyer(s) of the real estate

Identification of the real estate property

Identification of the purchase price

Signatures by all parties involved

A legal purpose

Consideration: This is something of value that is bargained for in exchange of the real estate. Usually the form of consideration used is money, but, for example, other property could be used in the exchange.

Contingencies (conditions) that must be met if the contract is to be performed. Certain types of contingencies include inspection, appraisal, another sale contingency, etc.

Written Warranties

Top Service Requests from Real Estate Sales Agents

There are many types of real estate sales agents in Santa Cruz County that provide all types of real estate services. Following is a list of the most popular real estate agents.

There are many types of real estate sales agents in Santa Cruz County that provide all types of real estate services. Following is a list of the most popular real estate agents.

RealtorThis is a title that simply means the individual belongs to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). A realtor can be either a real estate broker or a real estate agent. Members of NAR also belong to state and local trade associations.

Dual agentA dual agent represents both the seller and the buyer.

Broker associateThis is a real estate broker who works for another real estate broker. Though they could choose to work independently, many real estate brokers choose to join a larger real estate network.

Transaction agentA transaction agent writes an offer for the buyer. They do not represent either party but, rather, facilitate the transaction.

Buyer’s agentA buyer’s agent is also known as a selling agent. Though a buyer’s agent may work with both sellers and buyers, it is not usually in the same transaction.

Real estate agentThis is a licensed salesperson. Unlike a real estate broker, a real estate agent must work for an employing real estate broker rather than independently. Requirements for a real estate agent vary from state to state.

Real estate brokerA real estate broker usually has more education than a real estate agent. A real estate broker typically has a four year degree as well as the completion of eight college-level real estate courses that qualify them to take the broker’s real estate exam. However, if the real estate broker does not have a four year degree, two years of real estate sales experience will qualify them to be able to take the eight college-level real estate courses. Thirdly, lawyers who belong to the bar can qualify to be a real estate broker if they pass the exam.

There are also many different types of listing agreements. The best choice for you will depend on your ability and willingness to undertake some of the home selling requirements. It also depends on the climate of the real estate market in your area.

Length of listingThis listing agreement negotiates the duration of the listing. Common terms include 30 days, 90 days, six months, one year, or more.

Selling commissionThis determines the total percentage of commission that will be paid to the selling agent versus the listing broker. By determining a larger amount to the selling office, it can motivate a real estate agent to worker harder to sell your property.

Exclusive right to sell listingThis type of listing gives the exclusive right to earn a commission. The broker represents the owner and is responsible for bringing a buyer either directly or through another brokerage. The owner is responsible for paying both the selling broker fees and the listing. If you as the owner sells the property in your own, you must pay a commission to the broker.

Cancellation of contractThis type of listing allows you as a client of the real estate agent to be released from a contract if you are unhappy or dissatisfied with the service.

Exception to the contractThis type of listing allows the seller a certain number of days to sell the property without owing a commission.

Exclusive agency listingIn this type of listing, the broker represents the owner; however, the owner still has the right to sell the property without paying a commission.

Open listingThis lets owners sell the home by themselves; however, they must pay a broker to represent the buyer if a real estate agent finds a buyer to purchase the real estate property. If, on the other hand, they find a buyer themselves, they won’t owe anybody a commission.

Expiration of contractThis type of listing means that, if the owner and broker do not renew a contract, the owner must still pay a commission to the broker if the property is purchased by a prospective buyer (whose name is given to the owner by the broker) within a specified time period.

Top 10 Requests

Top Service Requests from Real Estate Sales Agents

There are many types of real estate sales agents in Santa Cruz County that provide all types of real estate services. Following is a list of the most popular real estate agents.

RealtorThis is a title that simply means the individual belongs to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). A realtor can be either a real estate broker or a real estate agent. Members of NAR also belong to state and local trade associations.

Dual agentA dual agent represents both the seller and the buyer.

Broker associateThis is a real estate broker who works for another real estate broker. Though they could choose to work independently, many real estate brokers choose to join a larger real estate network.

Transaction agentA transaction agent writes an offer for the buyer. They do not represent either party but, rather, facilitate the transaction.

Buyer’s agentA buyer’s agent is also known as a selling agent. Though a buyer’s agent may work with both sellers and buyers, it is not usually in the same transaction.

Real estate agentThis is a licensed salesperson. Unlike a real estate broker, a real estate agent must work for an employing real estate broker rather than independently. Requirements for a real estate agent vary from state to state.

Real estate brokerA real estate broker usually has more education than a real estate agent. A real estate broker typically has a four year degree as well as the completion of eight college-level real estate courses that qualify them to take the broker’s real estate exam. However, if the real estate broker does not have a four year degree, two years of real estate sales experience will qualify them to be able to take the eight college-level real estate courses. Thirdly, lawyers who belong to the bar can qualify to be a real estate broker if they pass the exam.

There are also many different types of listing agreements. The best choice for you will depend on your ability and willingness to undertake some of the home selling requirements. It also depends on the climate of the real estate market in your area.

Length of listingThis listing agreement negotiates the duration of the listing. Common terms include 30 days, 90 days, six months, one year, or more.

Selling commissionThis determines the total percentage of commission that will be paid to the selling agent versus the listing broker. By determining a larger amount to the selling office, it can motivate a real estate agent to worker harder to sell your property.

Exclusive right to sell listingThis type of listing gives the exclusive right to earn a commission. The broker represents the owner and is responsible for bringing a buyer either directly or through another brokerage. The owner is responsible for paying both the selling broker fees and the listing. If you as the owner sells the property in your own, you must pay a commission to the broker.

Cancellation of contractThis type of listing allows you as a client of the real estate agent to be released from a contract if you are unhappy or dissatisfied with the service.

Exception to the contractThis type of listing allows the seller a certain number of days to sell the property without owing a commission.

Exclusive agency listingIn this type of listing, the broker represents the owner; however, the owner still has the right to sell the property without paying a commission.

Open listingThis lets owners sell the home by themselves; however, they must pay a broker to represent the buyer if a real estate agent finds a buyer to purchase the real estate property. If, on the other hand, they find a buyer themselves, they won’t owe anybody a commission.

Expiration of contractThis type of listing means that, if the owner and broker do not renew a contract, the owner must still pay a commission to the broker if the property is purchased by a prospective buyer (whose name is given to the owner by the broker) within a specified time period.

Glossary Of Terms

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified real estate sales agent?

A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a real estate sales agent with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only real estate sales agents rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings.

A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a real estate sales agent with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only real estate sales agents rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified real estate sales agent.

Q: How do I know if a certain property is a good investment?A: Your real estate sales agent should be able to help by providing plenty of information regarding property in the area from low end to high end. They can even provide historical information regarding how properties in the are have performed as well as an educated guess as to where they are going.

Q: How should I choose a realtor?A: Ask about experience. Learn how many clients that real estate agent worked with in the last year or so and request permission to contact them.

Q: How can I maximize the value of my home?A: There are several things that you can do to make a house more desirable for potential buyers. This is called staging. A good real estate agent will be able to help you stage your property in an effective manner.

Q: What about doing more extensive improvements?A: Some improvements will pay for themselves when you sell the property. But this all depends. A knowledgeable real estate sales agent will be able to advise you.

Q: How can I build equity into my home besides making monthly mortgage payments?
A: Always try to send in a little extra. This extra amount will go directly to the principal of the loan rather than interest. Even $50.00 per month extra can build your equity quickly. It can also knock years off of your loan.

Q: If I want to purchase a home and I know the seller already has an agent, can I act as my own agent and negotiate a lower fee?
A: Most likely, you don’t have the knowledge needed to represent yourself. The seller pays the real estate commission rather than the buyer. The real estate commission is already set in the listing contract. It actually doesn’t cost you anything to have your own agent represent you because the seller is paying for it already.

Q: What is a housing ratio?
A: This is the percentage of your housing payment to your monthly gross income. Lenders use this ratio to determine how much money they will loan you.

Q: What is a spec house?
A: This is a home that was built without it being requested or ordered by a buyer. A spec house is not customized or built to a particular buyer’s tastes.

Q: What is an appraised value?
A: An appraised value is an opinion regarding a property’s fair market value based on an appraiser’s analysis and inspection of the property.

Q: What is an assessed value?
A: This is the public tax assessor value of a property. It is determined for the purpose of taxation.

Q: What is depreciation?
A: This is a decline in the value of property due to general wear and tear.

Q: Why should I use a real estate agent?
A: A real estate agent acts on your behalf by providing you with guidance and advice while helping you buy or sell a home. An agent will be able to provide you with current information in a fast changing market that will be critical to your success in either purchasing or selling a home.